December 16, 2005

Approximately one month ago, members of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police Patrol Division assigned as Sector Officers in the southeast quadrant of the City became aware of an illegal-drinking establishment. This is also known as a “Speak-Easy”. The Sector Officers obtained information regarding the address, the hours of operation as well as a potential list of suspects that were affiliated with the operation. All this information was provided to the Selective Enforcement Unit to investigate. Upon verifying the information provided, the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement was contacted to assist. Over the course of the past month, the Liquor Control Enforcement Bureau conducted an undercover investigation during which they entered the “Speak-Easy” and purchased liquor and beer.

On Friday, December 16, 2005 the Liquor Control Enforcement Bureau obtained a search warrant for the “Speak-Easy” and requested the assistance of the Selective Enforcement Unit in executing the service of the warrant.

At approximately 1400 hours, Liquor Control Enforcement Officers along with the Selective Enforcement Unit and members of the Street Operations Group served the search warrant for the purpose of seizing all liquor and beer as well as proceeds from the illegal operation. While serving the warrant, Police observed a quantity of Cocaine in plain view along with various items of drug paraphernalia and large quantities of U.S. Currency. A second search warrant was immediately obtained resulting in the seizure of over 60 grams of Crack Cocaine with an approximate street value of $3,000, more than $285,000 in U.S. Currency that was found in plastic bags and boxes, four handguns, four rifles, a digital scale and a safe which had contained money. Additionally, the Liquor Control Enforcement Bureau seized $1,147.00 in currency associated with the illegal operation as well as 1094 bottles and cans of beer and 92 bottles of liquor.

The success of this operation is a direct result of the teamwork and information sharing between the Lancaster City Police Patrol Division, Selective Enforcement Unit and the PA State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. This type of cooperative effort between agencies and within the divisions of the City Police reflects highly on the Officers involved.

This operation today should serve as notice to other individuals that are operating or considering starting their own “Speak-Easies”. The illegal sales of liquor and beer will be investigated and anyone affiliated with the operation will be arrested and all assets associated with the “Speak-Easy” will be seized.

Arrested today during this operation is:

Benigno “Don Benny” AYALA 57 years of age
Resident of the 500 block of Dauphin Street, Lancaster City
Charged with:
Possession With Intent To Deliver Crack Cocaine in a School Zone (Felony)
Persons Not To Possess, Use or Control Firearms (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)
Sales of Liquor (Misdemeanor)
Sales of Malt/Brewed Beverages for Consumption on the Premises (Misdemeanor)
Sales of Malt/Brewed Beverages for Consumption not on Premises (Misdemeanor)

AYALA was held for arraignment on these charges before District Justice Sponaugle and his photo can be made available upon request at the City Police Station.